/mazaplay/media/agency_attachments/EqX62rkwonI9tRKyXUEH.png)
Follow Us/mazaplay/media/media_files/6avqf8rYCb7JvfbewASP.png)
S. Harish Kumar TNPL (Source-Twitter)
Tamil Nadu Premier League Auction 2024 was held on Wednesday. Salem Spartans went on a buying spree as they spent INR 30.4 Lakhs on four players. Vivek R cost INR 11 Lakhs, while Robin Singh Bisht and Aushik Srinivas cost INR 2 Lakhs each.
The highest earner of the day was S Harish Kumar who is a 34-year-old all-rounder. Harish Kumar has already played for Lyca Kovai Kings and Chepauk Super Gillies. On Wednesday Salem Spartans brought him for INR 15.4 Lakhs.
This was the highest amount paid for a player during the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2024 auction. So the question that arises here is, who exactly is S Harish Kumar? why did Salem pay over the odds for a 34-year-old?
Salem Spartans take a leap of faith on S Harish Kumar –
At 34 years old many cricketers are winding down their careers but in the case of S Harish Kumar, it isn’t true. Salem Spartans brought the all-rounder for INR 15.4 Lakhs during the TNPL Auction 2024 on Wednesday.
Making his debut for Madurai Panthers in 2018, S Harish Kumar was a slow starter. A move to Lyca Kovai Kings then changed his fortunes. This is where the player started to show his skills with the bat and ball.
S Harish Kumar is considered a big-hitting talent in the TNPL circuit and also a decent bowler. Playing for Chennai Super Gillies, the 34-year-old picked 5 wickets from 7 games. The numbers may not do justice to his talent but Harish Kumar is a key asset on the field.
Salem Spartans seemed to go all out for the veteran because of the value he adds with the bat and ball. Last year, Harish Kumar scored 86 runs from 7 games with a strike rate of 108. Batting lower down the order, these are good numbers for a player primarily known for his bowling.
The biggest moment for S Harish Kumar came during the TNPL game 2022 between Chennai and Nellai. The right-handed batter hit 26 runs off 12 balls to force the game into Super over. Even though his team lost the match, S. Harish Kumar found a huge fan following for his big-hitting skills.